Amanda Brown Named Executive Director of Hart County Chamber of Commerce

HARTWELL, GA – The Hart County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the appointment of Amanda Brown as its new Executive Director. A lifelong resident of Hart County and a passionate advocate for its success, Brown brings a wealth of experience in business, community engagement, and strategic leadership to this role.

Brown is no stranger to local Hartwell businesses or entrepreneurship. “Growing up, I never saw my parents or grandparents punch a time clock,” Brown said. “Each of them owned their own businesses here in Hartwell, and I grew up watching them, learning from them, and helping out whenever I could. It gave me a deep understanding of the hard work and dedication it takes to run a business, and it’s one of the many reasons I’m passionate about supporting local businesses in our community.”

Brown has worked at the Chamber for just over two years. Previously, she worked as a tax specialist, where she developed expertise in tax strategy, problem-solving, and small business bookkeeping. This experience, combined with her deep involvement in Hartwell Main Street for the past six years, has equipped her with the skills and perspective needed to lead the Chamber. Before joining the Chamber, Brown played a pivotal role in several community initiatives as part of Main Street, including the Recreation Economies for Rural Communities (RERC) project and the CREATE program, which helped shape opportunities for local businesses and young entrepreneurs. She credits Jason Ford, Hartwell’s Economic and Community Development Director, as a mentor who inspired her efforts to support Hart County’s thriving business environment on a deeper level.

Speaking with The Hartwell Sun, Ford said that Brown was a wonderful asset to the community. “She is knowledgeable about the history of Hartwell and has a strong passion for making the entire community the best version of itself,” Ford said. “She is a great choice to lead the Chamber into the future. I look forward to working with her over the coming years!” Board Chairman, Wyndee McKinnon said Brown’s appointment was well deserved and more importantly well earned. “This hiring is a testament to Amanda's hard work, dedication, and outstanding contributions to the Chamber and our community,” McKinnon said. “She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion which I am confident will serve us all well as she embarks upon this new role.”

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Brown is also involved in the community as a member of the Pilot Club of Hartwell, Rotary, and the Hartwell Arts Center Board. She has also served on the Hart County Board of Tax Assessors for five years, a position she was appointed to by the Hart County Board of Commissioners, where she has played an instrumental role in improving operations and fostering positive community relations. Brown holds a degree in Business Administration and certifications in Organizational Leadership and Marketing. She has been married to her husband, Kyle, for 18 years, and together they have a 15-year-old son, Kyson.

“This is my dream job. I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead the Chamber and support the success of Hart County,” Brown said. As one of her first priorities, Brown is focused on completing the collaboration with SOAR Nonprofit Solutions to modernize the Chamber’s policies and procedures. “My goal is to breathe new life into this 75-year-old organization and strengthen its role as a cornerstone of our community,” she added. Under Brown’s leadership, the Chamber will emphasize business, tourism and economic growth, offering tools and resources that empower local businesses to succeed. With a results-driven approach, she is dedicated to sustaining a thriving Hart County for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.